by I. LeJens

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: April 23, 2009

Each year Earth Day falls on April 22 and the day's focus is devoted to ecological issues that affect our planet in the hope of creating awareness and positive change. Learning to lighten our impact on the earth is one way we can collectively effect a positive change. Commonly referred to as "going green" or "reducing your carbon footprint", these terms are a way of identifying ecologically sound activities. It means making a series of personal choices that, when compounded, reduce harmful effects. The following examples are just a few of the many ways we can make "green" choices to lessen our impact on the planet.

Pre-cycle: Pre-cycling simply means purchasing products that are refillable, reusable, and returnable and avoiding products that contain unnecessary packaging. Shopping "green" involves choosing products with a lower carbon footprint. These types of products, such as bulk bin foods, have a smaller carbon footprint because they have no packaging, except for the bag you scoop them into. Additionally, refillable containers are considered "pre-cycled" in that they can be used many times before heading to the recycling center.

Reuse: Many products, previously thought of as disposable, can find new life re-used or reincarnated. Natural candles, for example, made of soy wax, bees wax or coconut wax are ecologically superior to paraffin based candles and are often available in glass containers because they liquefy as they burn. After the candle wax has burned away, these containers can be cleaned and re-used as vases or other decorative containers. Another good example is the automobile tire. Millions of discarded automobile tires can find new life as raised garden containers.

Repair: If it breaks, wears out or stops working, before tossing it away to the landfill, consider repairing it. Sometimes the cost of repairing a favorite pair of shoes is a better alternative to the cost of finding a new pair. This, of course, applies to clothing, appliances, and just about anything you own.

Recycle: Fortunately today, most everything we buy is recyclable even if it doesn't have the commonly recognized arrow symbol stamped on it. Recycling centers now accept electronics, hazardous waste (like cleaning supplies and old paint), dead batteries, automotive oil, fluorescent light bulbs, and even old Cd's. Check with your local land fill or waste management company for more information about curbside pickup or designated hazardous waste drop-off days.

Garden: No matter where

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